Abstract
The Valda and Esper Esau Photographs (approximately 1958-2006) depict the Lido de Paris show. The collection consists of forty-three images. The images depict of Bluebell girls, Las Vegas landmarks, behind the scenes of the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust Hotel, and personal photographs of Valda Boyne Esau.
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Scope and Contents Note
The Valda and Esper Esau Photographs document the history of the Lido de Paris show in Las Vegas, Nevada from approximately 1958 to 2006. The images in this collection depict Bluebell performers, publicity shots, and Valda Boyne Esper. In addition to materials focusing on day-to-day activities of Valda Boyne Esper (such as photo shoots, personal time, and travel), the documentation provides insight into the show’s entertainment and public relations activities, such as advertising and promotion. The materials provide historical documentation on the famed Strip show that began in 1958 and ended in 1991.
Access Note
The collection is open for research. Portions of this collection have been digitized and are available online.
Publication Rights
Materials in this collection may be protected by copyrights and other rights. See Reproductions and Use on the UNLV Special Collections website for more information about reproductions and permissions to publish.
Arrangement
Materials remain in original order.
Biographical / Historical Note
A native Australian, Valda Boyne Esau moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s to become a professional dancer. She starred in the Lido de Paris show, which debuted at the Stardust Hotel and Casino in 1958 and was one of the most popular nightlife attractions in Las Vegas in the late 1950s and 1960s. Valda Boyne Esau danced in the first and third editions of the famed production as well as the first Cést Magnifique, a Las Vegas-inspired rendition of the Parisian show. The final Lido shows were held at the Stardust in 1991.
Preferred Citation
Valda and Esper Esau Photographs, approximately 1958-2006. PH-00348. Special Collections, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Acquisition Note
Materials were donated in December 1, 2006 by Valda Esau; accession 2006-23.
Processing Note
Materials were processed by Special Collections staff. In 2016, as part of a legacy finding aid conversion project, Maryse Lundering-Timpano wrote the collection description in compliance with current professional standards.